Bacon Rib And Potatoes. Farmhouse Style Meal

Know your Food Additives - Make the safest choices

We all know that some artificial food coloring, flavorings and preservatives might be bad for our children.

Not only for children, but older adults as well, I know I cannot eat food that has preservatives in it, really upsets my stomach.

So why do we worry?

It really comes down to natural food versus chemicals.

Additives in your child's food may not do them any harm, but it does not mean that you should not be on the safe side and avoid artificial food coloring, flavorings and preservatives.

In New Zealand we should be aware that more than 4000, additives are added to the processed food we eat each day.

What Are Food Additives?

The above video says that most foods that we purchase for every day consumption -- and those that we eat a little less often -- contain additives of various descriptions. In fact humans have been using food additives for thousands of years...

Sausages have preservatives. Photo Credit - Elsie Hagley

What additives are you feeding your family?

If you are concerned about what additives you are feeding your family, here are some points on what to look out for on the labels - you may be surprised at what you discover.

Preservatives

Try to choose foods which have no preservatives, but be aware that their shelf life will be reduced.

You will find Sulphur dioxide and sulphites are common preservatives in dried fruit, preserved meats, some biscuits and fruit juice.

They will be listed on food labels as anything from sodium sulphite to calcium or potassium sulphite.

Nitrates and Nitrites

These are found in virtually all cooked and cured meat, sausages, bacon, ham, frankfurters, hot dogs, salami, corned beef, pate and luncheon sausage, and may also be found in fresh meat and chicken that has been prepared in some way for sale.

You cannot take all meats away from your meals, but look for products that are preservative free or organic.

Antioxidants

While natural antioxidants are great for our health, artificial ones, may not be so good.

They are used in oils and fats to stop them going rancid and prevent food going brown or developing black spots.

Artificial antioxidants have been linked to hyperactivity and allergic reactions such as rashes and asthma.

If possible use products labelled "no artificial antioxidants".

You can also use good quality vegetable oils such as extra-virgin olive oil, which contain natural antioxidants, and try to eat fresh produce that do not need additives.

Caffeine

Children are particularly sensitive to caffeine, but maybe you have been drinking too much caffeine also.

After consuming it, you and your children can become hyperactive or have difficulty sleeping.

Caffeine effects the nervous system and some scientists are concerned that brain growth and development may be affected in children who have too much of it.

Caffeine is present in many soft drinks and energy drinks, children drinking several of this products could easily consume the equivalent of four to six cups of coffee a day.

Check the labels of all drinks you purchase for your child, even those that appear healthy like fruit juices.

If you feel you are drinking too much caffeine, also try to cut back, you will be healthier for it.

Artificial Sweeteners

Many soft drinks, lollies and desserts contain saccharin or aspartame.

The use of these artificial sweeteners is the subject of much controversy, which you can easily view on the internet.

But after all why let your family eat something artificial when natural sugar products are available.

Use natural sweeteners such as honey or sugar in moderation.If weight loss is necessary, a product called Stevia is a natural low-calorie alternative.

Food Coloring

Brightly coloured foods tend to be marketed to children.

There are 10 colours allowed in New Zealand food that health campaigner advise parents to avoid because of links to a wide range of allergic reactions including asthma, hyperactivity and skin rashes.

No-one is suggesting you charge around the supermarket with your list in your hand, but do take some time to look at the labels of the food you commonly have in your pantry and put in your child's lunchbox - you will be surprised.

Who Determines if Food Additives Are Safe?

The Danger of Food Additives

Days gone by, fresh food from the garden. Photo Credit - Elsie Hagley

Days Gone By

In days gone-by you never worried about all these food additives, as most food was home grown and preserved with no artificial additives, we can still go back to those days, have your own gardens, orchards, deep freeze your own fruit and vegetables, in the end, you will save money and have healthy children with less health problems.

Yes know your food additives, so you can make good choices for you and your children.

Good Detox Foods + Detox Diaries #2 - Jovanka Ciares

The above video is about 6 foods that you can eat as snacks or in meals that you can have which are very healthy, yummy and have a detoxifying effect in your body.

Have a look one of them is beetroot, great for gall bladder and liver, high in fibre, flaxseed plus much more..

How healthy are you. Photo Credit - Elsie Hagley

How healthy are you?

Detoxify

Have you developed bad habits over the winter months and want to get your body into shape for summer.

By going on a detoxification diet- also known as detoxing - it is said to remove environment and dietary toxins from your body's natural processes (ie ammonia is produced during the breakdown of protein) or can be due to eating foods containing chemicals like food additives.

Other toxins can come from sources such as cigarette smoke, drugs, pollution and household cleaners.

Why do a detox diet?

A build-up of toxins in our body is believed to contribute to illness.

These excess toxins have been linked to hormonal imbalance, impaired immune function, nutritional deficiency and an inefficient metabolism.

Signs that you may need to detoxify include indigestion, bad breath, fatigue, poor skin and muscle pain.

People who do detoxes often report feeling more energetic, having clearer skin, regular bowel movements, increased concentration and improved digestion.

You should see your doctor before detoxing especially if you have symptoms such as ongoing fatigue, muscle pain, a cough or frequent indigestion.

Don't try a detox diet if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Have you ever detoxified your body?

How to Detoxify Your Body

The above video is a must see if you are thinking of detoxification..

Many doctors believe the kidneys and liver do a fine job of removing toxins, like pesticides and food additives, without any help. But cleansing regimens have their fans: Here's what you need to know if you're interested in trying one.

What Are Your Thought's On Food Additives and Detoxification

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julieannbrady 4 years ago

I am very concerned about the use of food additives -- I just blogged about the red and blue food dyes used in my favorite soft drink -- there are a number of possible side effects for children and adults! Why use them? Let's get healthier options.

anonymous 4 years ago

I try to limit foods with lots of preservatives and additives when I'm feeding the kids and grandkids. Natural is always the best.

anonymous 5 years ago

Thanks for the very educational lens on food additives.

GeekGirl1 5 years ago

If we can avoid them, better. But we have to be extra careful on what we buy and eat. A lens like this is a good source of information. Thanks!